"Precious, I'm home," Bob called out in a loud booming voice as he closed the front door to his colonial style house which was located on the middle of a quiet, tree lined block.
"I'll be right there sweetums; I'm just checking on the roast. You sit down and get comfy."
After putting his briefcase down on the coffee table Bob loosened his tie before sitting in his recliner. By the time Ellen breezed into the room carrying his Harvey Wallbanger his head was buried in the financial section of the newspaper. She put the glass down within easy reach of his hand before she started to untie his black, wingtip shoes. Once they were removed she vigorously rubbed each foot for five minutes before sliding his slippers onto his feet.
"Do you need anything else dear? If not let me get back to the kitchen. Dinner should be ready in a jiff."
"Hrrmmpphh," he said with his head still buried in the paper.
"Okay then, I'll let you know when it's ready," she cheerfully replied as she headed back to her station.
A short time later the pretty, suburban wife hummed a tune as she bustled back and forth between the dining room and kitchen while laying out the evening meal. Then after lighting the two candles that flanked her homemade centerpiece she walked to the bottom of the staircase.
"Children, dinner is ready. Come on down. Edward, Nancy let's go before it gets cold."
Five minutes later the family sat quietly as they waited for Bob to say Grace though young Edward did fidget in his chair.
"Dear Lord, thank you for the bounty we are about to receive and thank you for your guidance in all matters great and small. Thank you for making this home a sea of tranquility in a chaotic world and blessing me with my wonderful, obedient family. Amen."
Once that was taken care of Ellen served everyone dinner, then after replenishing Bob's glass she began to eat. For the most part silence reigned during the meal until near the end at which time the unquestioned head of the household asked his children how their day went.
"Rotten Pop," Edward spat out (while half chewed peas flew out of his mouth and hit his sister in the face), "I hate school and I really hate Miss Crabtree."
"What's the matter sport," Bob said with a chuckle as he mussed the boy's hair.
"Well it seems he was sent home with a note from the principal today," Ellen answered, "and please don't talk with your mouth full Edward. You spit food all over your sister."
"Yeah, chew with your mouth closed Eddie."
"I'll do what I want you big baby."
"You're the big baby."
"Enough you two and behave at the dinner table or you'll be getting no dessert. You understand?"